Yes!! We are now doing flexi-schooling!! : )

[Flightthebluetouchpaper]

Thankyou to everyone who helped me out with information and support over this a couple of weeks ago.
We had the meeting yesterday and as soon as I mentioned the idea of him doing some part-days, or days off, the teacher jumped at it and was extremely pro the idea, even informing me that school isn't statutory till they are five - which thanks to you lot, I knew.
I was amazed - I think she is one of the more realistic and modern-thinking members of staff, she really impressed me once we were talking, she was on the same wavelength about nearly everything. She is new there and I'm not sure how the head etc would feel about all this but anyway she is on side, and suggested full days Mon-weds and half days on thurs and friday.
I think maybe we need more half days than that and she says we'll do basically what I think best!

Anyway I wanted to let you know the outcome.
Thanks again

Ps I can't find the thread so could you let me know what days/pattern your DC's do again, please? I don't know what would work best with a four year old.
TIA!

When ds2 was in reception he started off doing Mon-Thurs half days, then Mon-Fri half days, then staying until lunch, then moved onto Tues,Weds, Thurs full days and off Mon and Fri, then at the end of the summer term he did Mon-Thurs full days

btw, we've just had his parents' evening for Y3 and he's flying academically, way ahead in maths and literacy so not having much formal education in reception obviously hasn't done him any harm at all

good luck

Brilliant, thankyou for that Mimsum. I have taken him in this morning, spoken to the teacher and told her that basically I have been thinking about it all night and decided that I would like to collect him after lunch every day, from now on till at least Christmas.
He was so tired already this morning after only one full day, I just think it's best to stick with mornings for now.
I felt like a freak trying to discuss it with the other parents though as they all seemed a bit with me, Oh dear, I was hoping someone else might be doing it too.
I guess they might think I'm being 'precious' about him, which I'm not. Just trying to be pragmatic.
The thing is they are mostly saying 'so-and-so is absolutely exhausted after a day at school' but don't seem to want to go against the grain by doing something about it.
I hope we don't get ostracised.

I think the problem is nobody here knows about it as a possibility, so it seems a bit extreme perhaps.
I am glad we're doing it and glad the teacher is on side, nonetheless

Hi, I'm new to the English school system, and would like to know if this is for any child or is it for special children? Where can I get some information please, I was considering home schooling until ds is at least 6/7 and did not want to put him into school by age 4, he only has his birthday in November so if I understand correctly he will only go to school the following Sept.? Bloody confusing and I don't know where to get info?

Spacepuppy, you are entitled to educate your child at home as long as you wish. Normally a child would go to school the September following their 4th birthday, so in your case, next sept.
Legally they are required to be educated (school or otherwise) from the term after their 5th birthday, but many schools will not hold a place until then as most kids start in reception.
Here is a link to an HE website. HTH, there are a good few HE-ers on here who will have more info.

Lots of us think 4 is too young!

Oh and it is for every child. Those with SN may have other requirements or help availlable, but anyone can educate their child at home (mine is 'ordinary' - or so I'm told by his teacher)

That's great Here's to happier times for you and your ds.

The 1st primary school DS2 went to, had the Reception children attending for 3 mornings for the first term then 5 mornings for second term, then 3 whole days for 3rd term. Then when he was to change primary school because we moved, long story, but we moved 3 weeks before the end of the school year. We kept him at his old school as it was just within do-able transport distance, but he attended the new school for 1 day a week and 2 afternoons a week to get used to it. I asked if this was because he was special needs and they said that they would do it for any parent, and wished that more parents took the time to pace their children, rather than be thankful that there was free childcare and just dumped the kids at a school. I think this is much more appropriate for those born after easter as they as reall only just past 3 years old.

Ah, another perspective, (Juule, you were really helpful on this, thankyou!!)
OMGhelp, I thought the teacher seemed very keen to arrange it yesterday, I mean it was almost like she was fed up with having tired littlies on her hands all day - she actually said that some of them are so tired, you just think 'what's the point' about them being there. I suspect there is a huge number of teachers out there who wish more parents would do this. Sad that the gouvernement doesn't really encourage it. They are all for childcare though it seems.

I mean there's nothing wrong with childcare but maybe school isn't set up very well for those type of needs.

Have collected him today and he was already in tears and half asleep.
I think that confirms it was right

I think that any reasonable teacher would notice a child that was that exhausted by the end of the day and speak to the parents. As you say sweet, how can you 'teach' kids who are tired out? Our school has a long settling-in period which p*d me off considerably at the time as I was trying to work too, but it does mean that DS#2 has been fine - not tired at all and very happy with school. He's only been in full time since last week.

But I can't help thinking that it would be easier if they didn't start school so young rather than all this messing about with half days though.

I agree Ormirian, it is such a hassle and so unnecessary imo...plus I tried to mention it to some of the mums and they seemed to think I was weird. Very embarrassing! and ds was the only one leaving the class which made me embarrassed for him.

If things don't improve, he is coming home till he's 5. I am a bit fed up with it all really.
I'm glad things have been good with your little one